Outlander season seven

Outlander is the ongoing adventure-packed historical fantasy drama that now enters its seventh season, comprised of 16 new episodes split over 2023, with the rest dropping sometime (yet to be announced) in 2024. The epic storylines are adapted from the seventh book in the literary series, An Echo in the Bone, by American author Diana Gabaldon, and follow on from the eventful tale of season six.  

As the revolutionary war starts to edge closer to Frasers Ridge, the military unrest is offset by the happy news of a new addition for Brianna (Sophie Skelton) and Roger (Richard Rankin). The baby’s arrival is not without its complications, but this brings the young family closer to grandparents Claire (Caitríona Balfe) and Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), who are on hand to offer all their support, showing a deeper layer to this close-knit family. It’s also been a tough time for Claire, who has previously been wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of Malva, and in the early episodes here audiences will get a lot of close-up screen time with her brilliant character portrayal, as she navigates her relationship with the other prisoners in her cell, defends her innocence until her release, has to listen to a confession to the murder from Tom (Mark Lewis Jones) that ties in with a declaration of love, and shows us once more her selflessness as a mother and ever-doting wife.

Much like the previous episodes, the storylines in this new season move on with adventure, war, plenty of romance and the ability to time travel. It’s an emotional start to the latest narrative as we feel a sense of urgency for Sophie and Roger while they venture into the future to seal their family’s fate, but these seasoned actors play their roles with such authenticity and passion that they really connect with their audience, despite crossing through centuries and timelines that could potentially make things feel a little bit unrealistic. There are a few new cast members thrown in too, which always keeps things fresh, and the beautiful scenery, with its green rolling landscapes, doesn’t escape a mention; neither do the ethereal vocals from Sinead O’Connor, who lends her talents to the well-loved theme song, The Skye Boat.

Outlander already has a huge fan base, but it certainly doesn’t shun any newcomers. It’s paced really well so that the characters are easy to engage with, and the script is built with meaning. For watchers of romantic period dramas, this show certainly doesn’t disappoint. 

Ezelle Alblas

Outlander season seven is released on Lionsgate+ on 16^th June 2023.

Watch the trailer for Outlander season seven here: